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Dr. Houriiyah Tegally, Head of Data Science at CERI, is a leader in epidemic response, with over 100 publications, including 40 during her PhD. She specializes in integrating AI and climate data into infectious disease modeling, shaping global health strategies. Her work, from tracking SARS-CoV-2 variants to forecasting emerging epidemics, highlights the power of data-driven public health.

For International Women’s Day, we spotlight Dr. Houriiyah Tegally, a powerhouse in data science and epidemic response. As the Head of the Data Science Unit at CERI, she has made numerous contributions to infectious disease research, with over 100 publications including 40 during her PhD.

From tracking SARS-CoV-2 variants in real time to integrating AI and climate data into epidemic modeling, Dr. Tegally is redefining how we predict and respond to global health threats. In this exclusive conversation, she shares her journey, challenges, and vision for the future of data-driven public health, accelerating action for a healthier future.

1. Your career in data science has grown rapidly. How did you get started, and what led you to specialize in epidemic response?

Dr. Houriiyah Tegally: I come from a background in computational biology and bioinformatics, and my journey into data science began during the pandemic. I started by analyzing large volumes of pathogen genomic data, which was both challenging and fascinating. Beyond just working with numbers, I quickly realized that the most powerful part of the process was transforming complex data into compelling, visually clear stories. Science communication became just as important as the research itself.

This field required a lot of self-learning, but I loved the creative side of visualizing epidemiological data. The more I worked with large datasets—integrating phylogenetics, demographics, and mobility data—the more I saw the potential of data science in epidemic response. Today, my work involves using diverse datasets to understand how environmental factors influence disease transmission, helping predict and mitigate future outbreaks.

1. How do you approach cross-disciplinary collaborations, and what role have they played in your research success?

Cross-disciplinary collaborations are vital in epidemic response. Data science does not exist in isolation—it relies on laboratory scientists, virologists, and clinicians who generate the raw disease data. The most impactful research happens when different stakeholders, including public health scientists and policymakers, collaborate to co-create and interpret data.

1. What drives you to keep publishing, and what do you find most rewarding about your research?

In the field of emerging infectious diseases, the most fulfilling aspect is being able to respond to outbreaks in near real-time. Research isn't just about publishing—it’s about providing critical insights fast enough to make a difference in public health. A publication is just a bonus.

During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, our team prioritised rapid data sharing, and our work on the Beta and Omicron variants directly influenced policies on vaccine rollouts and lockdowns in South Africa. More recently, we studied the re-emerging Oropouche virus in South America—an understudied disease system—while the epidemic was still ongoing, ensuring our findings could drive further research and response efforts.

Balancing multiple projects comes down to collaboration. At CERI, we have an incredible team of data scientists, modelers, and students who work together to tackle urgent outbreaks. It’s that spirit of teamwork and shared purpose that makes this work so rewarding.

1. Securing grants and funding is critical to advancing research but can be challenging. What strategies have worked for you in obtaining funding for your projects, and what advice would you give to early-career scientists looking to secure grants?

The key is persistence. Seek as many opportunities as possible and don’t view rejections as failures. Instead, treat them as valuable feedback to improve your next grant proposal. Over time, small grants start coming through, and with experience, larger ones follow.

Collaboration and mentorship are also essential. In science, it’s rare to succeed alone. Working with established scientists and leveraging their strengths can open doors to funding opportunities and provide invaluable insights into grant-writing strategies.

1. Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future, and how do you see data science shaping global health challenges?

The world is changing rapidly due to climate change, population growth, and evolving public health policies. These changes make epidemics harder to predict. My goal is to develop advanced data analytics frameworks in epidemiology, disease ecology, and phylodynamics to improve our ability to anticipate infectious disease threats.

One promising avenue is the integration of AI into infectious disease modeling, which can help overcome existing methodological barriers and enhance prediction accuracy.

About Dr. Houriiyah Tegally:

Dr. Houriiyah Tegally, 35, is the Head of Data Science at the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University, South Africa. She holds a PhD in Virology & Bioinformatics and has become a leading figure in the genomic epidemiology and evolution of viral pathogens in South Africa and across Africa. Her work focuses on the genomic surveillance of infectious diseases, utilizing genomics and phylogenetics within epidemiological and population-scale data to track the transmission dynamics and impact of pathogens.

Dr. Tegally’s pioneering contributions to the COVID-19 pandemic response included the assembly and phylodynamic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 genomes, leading to the identification of the Beta and Omicron variants of concern. She now co-leads the Climate Amplified Diseases and Epidemics in Africa (CLIMADE-Africa) consortium, working to forecast the transmission risks, patterns, and outbreak potential of vector- and waterborne pathogens in the context of climate change, demographic shifts, and increasing human mobility.

Her work is a testament to her belief that "in science, one person alone cannot go far, so we rely on one another’s strengths."

Click here to see most of Tegally’s publications

News date: 2025-03-08

Links:

https://ceri.org.za/person/?fullName=Tegally%20H